KS Bank Earns 5-Star Rating From National Bank Rating Firm

SMITHFIELD, N.C. – Bauer Financial, the Nation’s Premier Bank Rating Firm, has announced KS Bank has earned a 5-Star Superior rating for the 41st consecutive quarter. Having maintained its financial strength and stability for ten years (40 consecutive quarters), KS Bank has also earned an “Exceptional Performance Bank” distinction. This latest rating was assigned in March 2026, based on December 31, 2025 financial data, and signifies that KS Bank continues to be one of the strongest banks in the nation.

“Community banks like KS Bank are perfectly positioned to provide the specialized support that is unique to their area,” observes Karen L. Dorway, president of Bauer Financial. “These banks promote local growth by investing back into the same neighborhoods their deposits come from. By fostering these local relationships, they are highly supportive of, and accountable to, their customers. This, in turn, allows them to anticipate new needs and desires and get the wheels in motion to satisfy those as well.”

Earl W. Worley, Jr., President and CEO of KS Bank, said, “I’m very proud of our institution for maintaining our status as a 5-star bank for over 10 years now, earning us an ‘Exceptional Performance Bank’ distinction. We hold ourselves to a very high standard, and thanks to the hard work of our employees and the support of our communities, we have been able to serve our hometowns with exceptional service for over 100 years.”

Since its inception in 1924, KS Bank has been an eager supporter of the people in the communities it serves. The bank looks forward to further strengthening its relationships and expanding its positive impact as a trusted financial partner for years to come.

For over 100 years KS Bank has served the Triangle East region of North Carolina. KS Bank, a state-chartered savings bank, is a community-oriented financial institution offering a broad array of competitive and pro-growth financial services to businesses, professionals, individuals, and families. KS Bank offers retail and commercial lending and deposit services, mortgage products, and wealth management services through its Trust Division. KS Bank’s corporate office is in Smithfield, NC and they operate eleven financial centers in Harnett, Johnston, Nash, Wake, Wilson, and Wayne Counties.